Symbolic transfer of keys to Germany's first Ukrainian Unity Hub took place in Berlin

Germany officially transferred the premises to the Ukrainian side, where the Ukrainian Unity Hub will soon begin operating. The event took place in Berlin with the participation of Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Ilona Havronska, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Germany Oleksii Makeiev, and State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry of the Interior Bernd Kröser.

According to Ilona Havronska, the Unity Hub in Berlin is intended to become a place where Ukrainians and German citizens can implement joint projects aimed at rebuilding Ukraine, as well as maintain contact with our country. In addition, the Unity Hub will become a place where Ukrainian citizens can receive consultation on returning home.

"We sincerely hope that the Unity Center in Berlin would become a vibrant place. We want our people in Germany, as well as German citizens, to see how full of life Ukraine is today, how eager we are to work, win, and achieve a just peace — with the support of our partners, of course. This year has been challenging, but thanks in particular to the German government, we have managed to get through difficult times. This year has also shown that we can work effectively side by side for our common European future. And the Ukrainian Unity Center in Berlin is another example of such cooperation. Let us fill this space with the energy of moving forward and mutual support," Ilona Havronska said.

For his part, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior Bernd Kröser said: "Germany remains steadfastly united with Ukraine and its people. This solidarity has many dimensions, one of which is supporting Ukrainian asylum seekers. I am pleased that the Unity Center in Berlin is now taking shape and will soon be filled with real content."

The basis for the transfer of the premises to the Ukrainian side was the Joint Declaration of Intent signed on February 15, 2024. According to this document, the Federal Republic of Germany provides the premises free of charge, and the Ukrainian side ensures its operation.

As a reminder, Ukraine, together with the European Union and Ukrainian civil society organizations that are already actively working abroad, is preparing to launch the Unity Hub Network. It will bring together both newly created Unity Centers and existing public initiatives founded by Ukrainians in the EU. It is planned that by the end of 2026, the Unity Network will cover all EU countries and become an infrastructure for informing, advising, and supporting Ukrainians abroad in the process of returning.